The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Chief Sunday Elechi Inyima, has defended the ongoing construction of the two-span bridge along the 12-kilometre Ekebeligwe–Isophumini–Nwori Road in Ebonyi Local Government Area, describing criticisms of the project by the Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, as unfounded.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commissioner said there was no basis for the senator’s verbal criticism of the project, maintaining that work is progressing according to approved specifications and schedule.
Chief Inyima explained that, as Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, it is his statutory responsibility to ensure that all government projects meet the required standards and deliver value for public funds.
He disclosed that he had personally undertaken round-the-clock monitoring of projects across the state over the past two weeks, working closely with contractors, engineers, and consultants to ensure compliance with quality standards.
According to him, assessments conducted by his ministry, alongside reports from engineers supervising the project, indicate that the bridge construction is advancing in phases to guarantee durability and quality in line with the infrastructure standards of the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
The commissioner noted that the contractor had been fully mobilised to the site and that the pace of work reflects the government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure for the people of Ebonyi State.
He stressed that the administration remains focused on providing the dividends of democracy across the state’s 13 local government areas, adding that allegations of poor project delivery do not reflect the actual progress recorded on the ground.
While acknowledging Senator Nwebonyi as a respected leader and a key pillar of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Inyima appealed for constructive engagement, saying public criticism should be preceded by firsthand verification of project status.
He extended an invitation to the senator to undertake an inspection tour of the project alongside officials of the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Works to independently assess the level of work being carried out.
The commissioner further urged the lawmaker to reconsider his remarks in the interest of unity and continued development, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the successful execution of infrastructure projects across Ebonyi State.
Chief Inyima reiterated that the ministry remains committed to ensuring that all government projects are executed in accordance with approved standards and in the best interest of the people.
